Welcome to Australia

Australia is a continent of superlatives — the sixth largest country in the world, surrounded by two oceans, with natural wonders found nowhere else. These ten experiences make a trip to Australia unforgettable:

1. Snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef — The world's largest coral reef system stretches over 2,300 kilometers along the coast of Queensland. While snorkeling or diving, you'll float over hundreds of coral species and thousands of fish species — an underwater universe in Technicolor. From Cairns, Port Douglas, or the Whitsundays. → Chap. Queensland
2. Uluru at sunrise and sunset — The sacred monolith of the Anangu glows in over a dozen shades of red as the sun rises or sets. A spiritual experience in the heart of the Outback that humbles you. → Chap. Outback & Red Centre
3. Sydney Opera House from the water — The iconic white sails of the Opera House are most impressive from the harbor. Take the ferry to Manly and enjoy the view from the water — or book a performance inside. → Chap. Sydney
4. Driving the Great Ocean Road — 243 kilometers of coastal road along Victoria's stormy southern coast. The Twelve Apostles — towering limestone stacks in the surf — are the dramatic highlight. Best as a two-day trip from Melbourne. → Chap. Melbourne
5. Exploring the Daintree Rainforest — The world's oldest tropical rainforest (over 130 million years) meets the Great Barrier Reef directly at Cape Tribulation. Nowhere else do two UNESCO World Heritage sites converge. → Chap. Queensland
6. Kangaroos and koalas in the wild — Forget the zoos: In Australia, kangaroos hop across golf courses at dawn, and koalas doze in eucalyptus trees along the Great Ocean Road. Almost guaranteed on Kangaroo Island or in Grampians National Park. → Chap. Nature & Wildlife
7. Harbour Bridge Climb in Sydney — 1,332 steps to the top of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, 134 meters above the water. The panoramic view over the harbor, Opera House, and city is breathtaking. From 388 AUD — expensive but unique. → Chap. Sydney
8. Quokka selfie on Rottnest Island — The "happiest animals in the world" live only on this car-free island off Perth. The small marsupials are friendly and readily pose for photos. A 25-minute ferry ride from Fremantle. → Chap. Western Australia
9. Whitsunday Islands & Whitehaven Beach — Dazzling white quartz sand, turquoise waters, 74 tropical islands — the Whitsundays are Australia's Caribbean paradise. Whitehaven Beach is regularly voted the most beautiful beach in the world. → Chap. Queensland
10. Barossa Valley wine tasting — Australia's most famous wine region produces world-class Shiraz. Over 80 wineries, many family-run since the 1840s, offer tastings with views of endless vineyards — plus top-notch food. → Chap. Melbourne (Yarra Valley)

Australia is vast — 7.7 million square kilometers, 21 times the size of Germany. The distances are immense: Sydney to Perth is 4,000 kilometers (comparable to Lisbon–Moscow). Five main regions offer completely different experiences:

🏙️ Sydney & New South Wales

For whom: Everyone — Sydney is a must on any Australia trip
Australia's largest city combines iconic architecture (Opera House, Harbour Bridge), legendary beaches (Bondi, Manly), cosmopolitan cuisine, and the spectacular Blue Mountains as a day trip. Plan at least 4–5 days.

☕ Melbourne & Victoria

For whom: Foodies, art lovers, road trip fans
Australia's cultural capital boasts hidden laneways full of street art, the best coffee culture in the world, a vibrant restaurant scene, and the breathtaking Great Ocean Road. Also, the Yarra Valley wine region and Phillip Island with its penguin parade.

🌴 Queensland & Tropical Northern Australia

For whom: Beach lovers, divers, nature enthusiasts
The Great Barrier Reef, the ancient Daintree Rainforest, the dreamy Whitsunday Islands, the relaxed Noosa, and the party city Gold Coast. Tropical climate, endless beaches, and underwater worlds like no other.

🏜️ Outback & Red Centre

For whom: Adventurers, spiritual seekers, photographers
Uluru, Kata Tjuta, Kings Canyon — the red heart of Australia is mystical, barren, and overwhelming. Here you experience the world's oldest living culture (Aboriginal Dreamtime), endless expanses, and starry skies that leave you speechless.

🌊 Western Australia

For whom: Individualists, nature lovers, adventurers
The least traveled third of the continent offers the greatest surprises: Perth as a sun-drenched metropolis, the quokkas of Rottnest Island, the spectacular Ningaloo Reef (whale sharks!), Margaret River wines, and the wild Kimberley region.

Australia spans several climate zones — the best travel time greatly depends on where you are going. Basic rule: The seasons are opposite to the European ones (December = summer, June = winter).

The Seasons (reversed!)

• Australian Summer (Dec–Feb): Best time for Sydney, Melbourne, Great Ocean Road, Tasmania. Long days, beach weather (25–35 °C). However, in the tropical north, it's the rainy season with cyclones — avoid Queensland and NT!
• Australian Autumn (Mar–May): Excellent travel time for almost everything. The tropical north dries up, the Outback is pleasantly warm, Sydney and Melbourne are mild. Fewer tourists than in summer.
• Australian Winter (Jun–Aug): Best time for the tropical north (Queensland, NT, Kimberley): dry, 25–30 °C. Outback pleasant during the day, cold at night. Sydney mild (8–17 °C). Melbourne cool and rainy.
• Australian Spring (Sep–Nov): Wildflowers in Western Australia (September–October). Outback warms up. Good transitional time for the south. Whales on the east coast (Jun–Nov).

Regional Recommendations

Climate Table: Sydney

Australia is not a budget destination — the cost of living is high, comparable to Scandinavia. But with the right strategy, you can have a fantastic vacation even on a smaller budget.

Daily budget per person

What costs what? (Reference values 2025/26)

• Hostel bed: 35–55 AUD/night
• Double room motel: 100–160 AUD/night
• Mid-range hotel: 180–300 AUD/night
• Campervan rental: from 60 AUD/day (season dependent)
• Coffee Flat White: 4.50–6 AUD
• Pub meal: 18–28 AUD
• Restaurant (main course): 30–55 AUD
• Beer (pint): 10–14 AUD
• Gasoline: approx. 1.80–2.20 AUD/liter
• Domestic flight (Sydney–Melbourne): from 80 AUD (Qantas/Jetstar)
• Greyhound Bus (Sydney–Melbourne): from 65 AUD
• GBR day trip: 200–280 AUD
• Harbour Bridge Climb: 288–403 AUD

Savings tips

• Woolworths & Coles: Cooking for yourself is the cheapest option in the major supermarkets. Both have "Specials" (special offers) every week.
• BYO restaurants: "Bring Your Own" wine — many restaurants allow you to bring your own alcohol for a small corkage fee (5–10 AUD). Wine in the bottleshop is significantly cheaper.
• Happy Hour: Many pubs offer discounted drinks and bar food from 4–6 PM.
• Free Walking Tours: Excellent free city tours (tip-based) are available in Sydney and Melbourne.
• National Park Pass: A state pass is worthwhile for multiple parks (e.g., NSW Discovery Pass for 65 AUD).